Roy Lichtenstein's I Love Liberty, a 1982 screenprint on Arches 88 paper, exemplifies his exploration of American identity through national symbols and motifs. The print reimagines the iconic Statue of Liberty, reflecting Lichtenstein’s fascination with American ideals.
Originally produced for a national television broadcast celebrating American values, I Love Liberty has evolved into a profound commentary on the essence of Americanism: freedom, democracy, and the promise of the American Dream. Lichtenstein's approach transforms this renowned symbol into a visual love letter, focusing closely on the statue's facial features from an eye-level perspective below. Despite the abstraction, the grandeur of the statue is palpable, with its torch symbolising enduring hope and independence.
The print humorously engages with his own pop art techniques while simultaneously elevating them, infusing the Statue of Liberty—a quintessential emblem of American values—with a fresh, artistic perspective.